A Group Ride 1 October 2014

Autumn rides can be difficult to plan – days are getting shorter and weather can be unpredictable. In the event we were lucky – forecast showers cleared before we left and it was warm enough sit outside for lunch. Some 16 of us set out for the Scarlett Arms at Walliswood.

I had planned the route so that it could be shortened if circumstances required. In the event Simon punctured just before our descent of White Down, and to keep to our intended 1pm lunch booking at the pub, I abandoned the planned meandering climbs of Abinger Lane and Holmbury Hill Road in favour of the direct route south along Horsham Road. My planned route from Lyefield Lane along an unsurfaced byway direct to Walliswood (bone dry for yesterday’s recce but muddy after the overnight rain) was also abandoned in favour of a longer on-road loop, to avert a possible revolt in the peloton.

At the Scarlett Arms we were welcomed, and promptly served a well-received lunch.

On the return we climbed the ever-delightful Weare St before crossing the A24, leading some to anticipate a leisurely return via Newdigate and possibly Brockham. In the event we re-crossed the A24 and A29 and climbed the rarely attempted (perhaps for good reason) Anstie Lane to Coldharbour. Though there were a few comments about this choice of route nobody complained about the descent to Dorking.

32.9 miles by Mark’s reckoning, a satisfying 0.9 miles more than the B Group.

This was quite a hilly route, so my thanks to all who braved the climbs. Particular thanks to Hans, Colin, and Simon for diligent back-marking, and to Mark for the photography.